7 Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Kingston

It came and went by in the blink of an eye. No, I don't mean Christmas, although I feel like it too went by quickly. I'm talking about Valentine's Day. This post isn't about Valentine's Day as I believe you don't need to await a special holiday to go out with your loved ones. Whether you are married, in a relationship or just friends you'll realize that going on dates will help to improve your relationship. People will always want date ideas and since most of us are trying to manage our finances better, I wanted them to be budget-friendly. This list was curated for persons in and around Kingston Jamaica. That being said, here are 7 Budget-Friendly Date Ideas in Kingston.

Picnic at Hope Botanical Gardens

A picnic is an inexpensive way to spend quality time with that special someone. You simply need to pack some food and a blanket. The picnic meal can be as simple as a few sandwiches, but if you want to be fancy, you may add fruits, a bottle of wine and your favourite dessert. If you are a nature lover you will not regret having a picnic at the Hope Botanical Gardens. The tranquil grounds are perfect for this activity. There are a lot of trees which will provide shade from the sun. You can also go for a romantic stroll to revel in the beauty this space has to offer and take amazing photos to capture special moments.

'I Scream' at Devon House

Another great date idea is to go for ice cream at Devon House. This activity is a must-do for many Jamaicans. The ice cream at Devon House is second to none when compared to any other ice cream in Jamaica. They boast a variety of signature flavours along with old favourites. Ice cream is ideal after a long day. There are seating options available for you to relax and enjoy great ice cream and even better conversations. Devon House tends to be crowded on weekends or public holidays, however, the service is fairly swift.

Paint and Sip

Explore your artistic side while sipping wine or a non-alcoholic beverage. Paint and Sip sessions have become popular and can be fun. You can book a session privately for your friend group or sign up for a pop-up session which you might come across. Participating in a paint and sip session is a good way to learn more about the person you do it with. Painting, in general, is extremely relaxing and even if you are afraid to channel your inner van Gogh you may be pleasantly surprised with the outcome.

Frozen Yogurt (Froyo) at Tutti Fruitti

So I mentioned ice cream earlier, but what if you are looking for a healthier option? Don't worry, I got you! Stop by Tutti Fruitti. Tutti Fruitti is a self-serve frozen yogurt chain so you have the option to mix and match flavours and add toppings of your choice. You are charged by weight so if you wish to stay on budget don't go overboard with the toppings. Frozen yogurt is a tasty dessert if you don't mind the tangy taste it has. I am definitely not saying frozen yogurt is a substitute for ice cream, in my opinion, the only substitute for ice cream is...well more ice cream . That being said getting froyo at Tutti Fruitti is certainly a unique but inexpensive date idea.

Go to a play

One way to guarantee a date packed with a belly full of laughter is to go see a play. There are several theatres in Kingston including Centre Stage, The Pantry Playhouse and Little Theatre, to name a few. Plays are great for dates because they allow the luxury of having a great time without those moments of awkward silence. Jamaicans are immensely talented and this reflects in everything we do.  I recently went to the play 'Room 513' which is Centre Stage play currently showing at the Courtleigh Auditorium and I was not disappointed.

Watch a movie

It's always an option to stick to the classics. Movies are always great if you're talking about budget-friendly dates. You can choose to stay in, get some snacks and binge movies. Or you may prefer a night out at a movie theatre. The two movie theatres in Kingston are Carib 5 and Palace Cineplex. Both options are fun, it's down to your preference.

Eat Out

Last but by no means least I want to talk about food. Kingston has various restaurants and eateries. They serve tasty dishes ranging from authentic Jamaican to delectable seafood, to unique infusions of Jamaican and regional or international cuisines. We all have those moments where we just don't want to be in the kitchen. Those moments call for dining out. A dinner date is usually ideal for first dates. It is the best way to learn about your partner since conversations over food tend to work out better. With the numerous dining options around the hardest part will be choosing a place to eat.

Bonus: Try your luck at an Escape Room

Ever wondered how well your friends would work under pressure? Or how quickly you'd break out of an escape room? Well, look no further PuzzleIT! Jamaica offers the experience of a lifetime. Their escape rooms enable you to learn more about your teammates and also help you to recognize their strengths and weaknesses. They also encourage teamwork. This is a fun way to make new friends or to form a greater bond with old friends. I would definitely recommend trying an escape room at PuzzleIT! Jamaica.

Conclusion

Going on dates is a necessity in any relationship. It builds communication as well as helps to expand your knowledge about the person(s) you go out with. While it is important to go on dates regularly you do not need to break the bank. There are numerous budget-friendly ways to do so. A date can be as simple as watching a movie at home or as extravagant as having a meal at a fancy restaurant. The main focus of a date should never be where you go or what you do but who you go with and the experience gained from that date.

What are your budget-friendly date ideas? Tell me in the comments.

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For more date ideas in Kingston, Jamaica check out one of my latest blog posts.